I have been a metal head for twenty-three years and have to say that Ressurectiion from Celtic legacy is a truly awesome release.  The album has two discs which allow the listener to hear the band's sound from the early days to the present.  Those looking for classic metal in the tradition of Iron maiden will definitely enjoy this cd.
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The blending of metal with Celtic influences has been going on for some time now, with Skyclad, The Lord Weird Slough Feg, Tuatha de Danaan and dozens more that are actually from the Emerald Isle putting out some top-quality releases. Celtic Legacy is an outstanding example of this style, essentially classic NWOBHM and current progressive elements interwoven with the Celtic folk rhythms that have become familiar to us here via movie soundtracks and the like. Traditional Irish fiddle and harp have been replaced with keyboards providing the effect of the stringed instruments, but the sound is tremendous nonetheless.

Vocalist Mark Guildea’s sterling voice - comparable perhaps to a Joe Lynn Turner or Glenn Hughes, even at times a young Rob Halford - is remarkable throughout, while it also seems that there’s nothing guitarists Dave Morrissey and Darren Maher can’t do. These old sods have written 11-for-11 great songs, not a moments’ filler to be found. In an age where a CD often begins to wear out its welcome somewhere around track number 6, this top quality release is reminiscent of the era when albums had two sides and a distinct ebb and flow that keeps your attention rapt from start to finish.
From the lush strains of “The Fallen” and into the galloping, traditionally metallic “Live By The Sword,” we know right away this record’s a keeper. As “Guardian Angel” gets underway, with its breezy melody line and Michael Schenker-like trills, we are reminded of the likes of UFO, Foreigner and Kansas - nothing wrong with that! But get ready to be blown away, because next up is the massive title track. It begins with a lone acoustic guitar and Guildea’s quietly powerful vocals, then is joined by snare drum and lead guitar, building up to an electric crescendo. This song is a triumph of both songwriting and performance that actually makes me think of Sad Wings of Destiny/ Sin After Sin era Judas Priest. No one writes like this anymore, but they should! “Children of the Sky” employs a wealth of Celtic influence, immediately bringing to mind Riot’s amazing Inishmore. “Timeless” is one of the most NWOBHM-inspired tracks, with its crunchy central riff. Instrumental “Sloidephuch Doin” is perfectly placed, showcasing the considerable ability of bassist Dave Boylan and drummer Stephen Cash as well as the guitarists. “Shine” and “Always the Hero” are heavy metal tracks through and through, but the band really hauls out the heavy artillery for the 8.5-minute epic “Emania - Shadows of Moonlight.” As if the whole record wasn’t great enough already, this next-to-last song has to be the best one yet, again Priest-like in its unpredictable structure and emotional depth. “When a Stranger Comes” is a pretty ballad, the perfect closer for an album that’s just taken us on a journey to faraway lands and unknown times.

Despite that it took a tremendous amount of effort to be able to put this record out, as labels are too busy signing anything that has “core” at the end of its genre-tag to give Celtic Legacy any attention, the end result is a polished studio production that was probably an expensive undertaking. One can only have the highest respect for the band members for refusing to compromise their standards, and for the band’s fans who actually came forward with donations to help this record get made. Well, luckily it was all worthwhile because Resurrection has been hailed widely as one of the best metal albums of 2003, and I have to agree.
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What's old is new again. In this age of subpar retro bands that seem to throw together any musicians they can find so they can release an equally subpar album, it is nice when you get to hear something like this that is actually good and professional. Ireland's Celtic Legacy is not what I would call a retro band exactly, but their new album "Resurrection" has a sound that is definitely a throwback to the metal of old, without sounding dated at all. 

Imagine if you will, a band that combined some elements of Iron Maiden, Manowar, and some other 80's metal bands (Maybe a bit of Helloween), and you can kind of get an idea of what "Resurrection" sounds like. Not only does "Resurrection" sound a bit like those aforementioned bands, but it also borrows a lot from 70's rock/metal icons Thin Lizzy. The band is such big fans of Thin Lizzy in fact, that Phil Lynott's mother has a piece she wrote in the booklet stating that Celtic Legacy are donating part of the proceeds off the sale of "Resurrection" to a fund for a statue of Phil that will be put somewhere in Dublin. The combination of these two different styles really makes for something unique. It's rare in metal today to hear guitar leads or solos, or hear a vocalist that can actually sing! Really, Celtic Legacy's vocalist Mark Guileda is a damn fine vocalist. I'm sure if he was around singing during the early 80's, all the girlies would have had his poster on their wall and would have cooed longingly while playing their Celtic Legacy vinyl's because he has a voice that seems to sing to you personally somehow. It's great, and powerful. The other standout musicians in Celtic Legacy are guitarists Dave Morrissey and Darren Maher. Both damn fine guitarists, they can both nail the power chords at Celtic Legacy's heavier moments, and play some of the best solos and leads I've heard in years. All of this would be great by itself, but they also add a healthy dose of traditional folk music to the mix, and it becomes some of the most unique and catchy music out there right now. There are tin whistles and violin to be found on here as well, and they are very well played by guest musicians, as well as some acoustic guitars here and there. 

The version of "Resurrection" that was sent to me is a 2 CD Special Edition version. The second disc is just as good as the first disc, in my opinion, and the songs here seem to be even folkier, which is a good thing to this folk metal fan. All of the tracks are older demo tracks and new remixes of older songs, and it's kind of neat to see the progression the band has made over the years. "The Lonesome Boatman" is a phenomenal song, and there's also a song on here called "You Want It? You Got It!" that involves a lot of chickens... 

The production of the album is great. Recorded in a small studio in Dublin, "Resurrection" sounds like it was recorded in a big studio with a big budget behind it. That just goes to show that a band can get a great sound out of their album without spending a million dollars on recording and production fees. The acoustic guitar sound is phenomenal on this album. It sounds like someone's playing in my room when they are playing. 

The packaging of this album is great. The cover is kind of bland, but it has Celtic knots so I'm happy with it. Also, the booklet has not only the lyrics, but a lengthy biography of the band, as well as some stories of the trials and tribulations the band endured to get this album out. There is also some Celtic artwork adorning every page, and a pretty cool painting done by Catherine Morrissey, who I'm willing to bet is related to guitarist Dave Morrissey somehow. There's also some nice photo collages of the band at play and at various live events. 

One thing I have to mention is how I admire the determination of this band, and some of its fans. Before "Resurrection" was released, the bands founder, Dave Morrissey, wasn't sure if he could make a go of the album. He found some musicians, but had spent all of his money making previous albums. One German Celtic Legacy fan named Vladimir Hrubik took it upon himself to help out in any way he could. He had Dave send some CD's of Celtic Legacy's first album, and when those sold out, he ordered more, and more and so on. Aside from that, Vladimir persuaded enough people to pre-order "Resurrection" so that the band had enough money to go in and record it. Yep, he got fans to pre-order it before it was even recorded! Who says one man can't make a difference? If it wasn't for Vladimir, we may never have gotten to hear "Resurrection" at all, and that would have been a shame. So thanks, Vladimir Hrubik wherever you are! I can also tell the band is dedicated too, because with the promo of "Resurrection" they sent me some really professional promo info papers recalling the bands career and also giving some reviews from other webzines. Most bands stick a promo in the mail and call it good, adding this other stuff so a reviewer can see it is very applaudable and shows me that they care a great deal about their band. I've also heard that their persistence has paid off in that a record label has recently shown interest in signing them. I hope they do get signed, because they deserve to be. 

In closing, I'd like to suggest that anyone that call themselves a metal fan go and pick up "Resurrection" as soon as possible. Whether you are a fan of 70's hard rock, 80's metal or are a fan of the current metal scene, you'll find something worthwhile in the music found on "Resurrection". Having a running time of over one hour is a big plus that a lot of potential buyers may like, too. One last thing... I've heard that the press and people in Celtic Legacy's home country of Ireland haven't yet come around to Celtic Legacy's music so far. What are you guys waiting for? Get up of your ass and give them a chance! You won't regret it!
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With a name like Celtic Legacy, you'd probably assume this band to be of the European power metal type heavily influenced, both in lyrics and music, by the myths and history of the Celts. What the band offers on their sophomore album Resurrection is instead a solid slab of melodic metal in the tradition of Iron Maiden, Dokken, and Def Leppard. There are occasional Celtic references, such as the wonderful instrumental "Slóidephuch Dóin" and in the lyrics of "Children Of The Sky" (the band's rendition of The Children Of Lir, a saga from Irish mythology), but overall the disc is just good ol' classic metal. 
The riffs and leads of co-founder Dave Morrissey and guitarist Darren Maher are top-notch throughout the album. "Live By The Sword" serves as the opening showcase for their talents, as the crunchy riff is simple yet catchy and the solo is quite expressive. The title track is by far my favorite of the album, and clocking in at over 10 minutes it's also the most epic. Right away the lads hit you with the addictive melody that carries through the tune. The anthemic, Irish-inspired riff is uplifting and haunting all at once. Vocalist Mark Guildea traverses his awesome range faultlessly, delivering an emotionally gripping performance which envelops you in the lyrics and heightens the mood created by Morrissey and Maher, whose twin-guitar harmonies are noteworthy and well-executed. Lyrically, "Resurrection" speaks of the reunification of Ireland - at least that's my interpretation - which I suppose for me makes the song a little more emotionally weighty. Celtic Legacy have outdone themselves with this highly dramatic piece. Another favorite of mine is "Slóidephuch Dóin", a guitar-driven instrumental track with distinct Irish flavor. This quick-paced little rocker will get your head to bangin' and your foot to stompin'. "Shine" first appeared on Celtic Legacy's debut album, but I am not familiar with that version so am unqualified to offer comparison. It is, however, a track where the bass of co-founder Dave Baylan comes to the fore and carries the song in tight synchronicity with drummer Stephen Cash. The choruses are excellent as well, hinting at the band's significant AOR influences. The heavy, chugging riff of "Emania - Shadows Of The Moonlight" brings to mind the works of Deep Purple and Rainbow, while the flute interlude lends a traditional Irish ambience. 

The story behind the making of Resurrection is just as intriguing as the music itself. In 2001, Celtic Legacy was over as a band because of the lack of support shown by metal fans in Ireland and abroad. A fan in Germany, however, took it upon himself to personally launch a fundraising campaign to finance the reformation of the band and the recording of a new album. Thanks to his tireless devotion, Celtic Legacy reformed and created this wonderfully produced gem of metal. Now that's supporting the underground!
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